What is the most common problem with the 2013 Chevy Cruze?

Excessive oil consumption in the 1.4L turbo engine stands out as the most commonly reported issue for the 2013 Cruze, with automatic transmission problems and electrical glitches following as frequent complaints. This article reviews what buyers and owners tend to encounter, what might be behind these problems, and how recalls and service actions address them.

What owners report most

The following list covers the issues most often cited by Cruze owners and tracked in service records and consumer feedback. It focuses on the 2013 model year but notes that some problems appear across nearby years as well.

• Oil consumption with the 1.4L turbo engine: Many owners report their Cruze uses or leaks oil faster than expected, requiring more frequent top-ups and, in some cases, prompting dealership investigations or repairs. In certain VIN ranges, GM issued service information aiming to diagnose and address oil consumption through checkups, revisions to engine components, or related fixes.


• Automatic transmission concerns: The 6-speed automatic can exhibit rough or delayed/shuddering shifts, occasional slipping, or other shifting irregularities. Some cases have been addressed with software updates or valve-body or related transmission service; more severe instances may have required component replacement under warranty.


• Electrical and infotainment glitches: Owners sometimes report battery drain, sensor or warning light failures, infotainment freezes, or other electrical quirks. These issues are frequently resolved with updates to ECU/BCM software or related hardware inspections by a dealer.

Across these issues, the prevalence and severity vary by individual vehicle history, maintenance practices, and factory variation.

Why these problems occur and what to watch for

The 2013 Cruze uses a turbocharged, direct-injected engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission, both of which can be sensitive to maintenance practices and driving conditions. Oil consumption on the 1.4L turbo has been the most persistent talking point among owners and service departments, while transmission and electrical system quirks tend to surface with higher mileage or after software updates. Routine maintenance, timely oil checks, and staying current with factory service bulletins can influence whether these issues appear and how they are addressed by dealers.

Recalls and service actions to know

VIN-specific information about recalls and service actions is essential. The following is a general overview of the kinds of actions that have affected some 2013 Cruze owners; availability and applicability depend on the vehicle’s VIN and production date. Always verify with official sources for your exact car.

• Oil consumption service actions: In certain cases, service bulletins advised testing for oil usage and applying engine-related updates or component replacements to address excessive consumption.


• Transmission software and hardware updates: Dealers may perform software flashes or inspect/repair transmission components (such as valve bodies or torque converters) when customers report shifting concerns.


• Electrical/infotainment updates: Updates to engine control units or infotainment systems can resolve intermittent electrical issues, sensor warnings, or interface glitches.

To confirm current recalls or service actions for your Cruze, check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database and GM’s official recall site using your vehicle’s VIN.

Summary

For the 2013 Chevy Cruze, the most commonly reported problem is excessive oil consumption in the 1.4L turbo engine, with automatic transmission issues and electrical glitches also frequently cited. While not every car experiences these problems, they have persisted as the standout concerns in owner feedback and service records. Regular maintenance, awareness of service bulletins, and VIN-specific recall checks are the best ways to manage these risks and keep a Cruze running smoothly.

In brief: quick takeaways for owners and potential buyers

- Expect to monitor oil levels closely if you have the 1.4L turbo engine. - If you notice rough shifting or transmission hesitation, have the system inspected and updated as needed. - Watch for electrical warning lights or infotainment quirks and seek dealer updates if they occur. - Always verify recalls and service actions for your exact VIN through official channels.

Summary: The 2013 Cruze’s standout concern is oil consumption in the 1.4L turbo, with transmission and electrical issues following. With proactive maintenance and proper dealership service, many of these problems can be managed or mitigated.

How reliable is a 2013 Chevy Cruze?

The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze has a mixed reliability record, with some owners reporting good experiences while many others cite significant issues like engine and transmission problems. While some reviews give it average to good scores, common complaints include a faulty water pump, leaks in the air intake and cooling systems, and transmission problems. The potential for serious and costly repairs means its reliability is considered average at best. 
You can watch this video to learn about common problems with the Chevy Cruze: 1mAlex The Car DoctorYouTube · Oct 27, 2023
Common issues

• Cooling system leaks: Common leaks include the water pump, air intake manifold, and turbo oil cooling tube.
• Engine problems: Some owners report issues such as a blown head gasket, oil leaks, rough idle, and the car turning off randomly.
• Transmission problems: Surging, grinding, and transmission failure have been reported.
• Electrical issues: Problems with the computer panel shutting off without warning have been noted.
• Other issues: Some drivers have experienced gas smells from the exhaust and a lack of power. 

Factors to consider

• Maintenance is crucial: Owners who have had better experiences often emphasize the importance of regular maintenance, such as oil changes and transmission fluid changes every 30,000 miles, as this can help prevent some common issues. 
• Warranty information: The 2013 model came with a 3 years/36,000 miles basic warranty and there were five recalls associated with it. 
• Overall ratings: Reliability ratings from sources like RepairPal give it an average score, and consumer reviews are split between positive and negative experiences, suggesting that reliability can be a gamble. 

What is the biggest problem with the Chevy Cruze?

wanted Talk about a common problem with the Chevrolet Cruze 1.4 turbo (a14net) A common problem with the Chevrolet Cruze is that the quarry gas system fails. The intake manifold dries out this valve, which is shown in the photo. Symptoms include fluctuating speed, loss of power, oil leaking from the cap and much more.

What year to avoid Chevy Cruze?

Years to avoid for a Chevy Cruze include the initial 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 models due to widespread issues like transmission and engine problems, coolant leaks, and electrical failures. The 2016 model should also be approached with caution as it was the first year of a new generation and had some reliability concerns.
 
This video discusses the common problems with the first generation Chevy Cruze: 56sAlex The Car DoctorYouTube · Oct 27, 2023
Years to avoid

• 2011-2014: This first generation is plagued with issues, particularly with transmission and engine failures, coolant leaks, and electrical problems. The 2011 model is often cited as particularly problematic. 
• 2016: As the first year of the second generation, it had some growing pains and reliability issues, including problems with the redesigned Ecotec engine and overall build quality. 

Potentially problematic years 

• 2017-2018: While better than earlier years, some owners still report issues, including transmission problems, leaks, and electrical issues.
• 2013: This model year is noted for significant electrical problems with systems like tire pressure sensors and infotainment, in addition to transmission issues. 

What this means for potential buyers

• Check maintenance history: A well-maintained Cruze from one of these years might still be a good purchase, but a poorly maintained one is more likely to cause major problems down the line. 
• Inspect carefully: Be especially thorough during a pre-purchase inspection, looking for signs of the common problems listed above. 
• Prioritize later models: If possible, it is best to stick to the later models, particularly the final 2019 model year, which is generally considered the most reliable. 

What is a 2013 Chevy Cruze worth today used?

2013 Chevrolet Cruze Value - $1,288-$4,661 | Edmunds.